The last "traditionnal" Linn amplifier
Written: Sep 09 '02 (Updated Nov 05 '02)
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Pros: Musical, price, build, can go Aktiv, automatic sleep mode, rhythm
Cons: No switching power supply.
The Bottom Line: Why pay more to get less. After experimenting and spending much more on amplifiers, the Lk140 is all you need to enjoy your CDs or LPs.
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| linnfan's Full Review: Linn LK85/LK140 Stereo Power Amplifier |
To give you the context, my current set up is 2 LK140 with a CD Ikemi, an LP12, a Linn AV 5103 (pre amplifier), and Linn Ninka speakers in Aktiv mode.
The Linn LK140 is a solid state stereo power amplifier delivering 140 Watts into 4 Ohm, and 90 Watts into 8 Ohm. There is switch button on the front panel with a green light when the amplifier is powered on and a red light when the amplifier is in sleep mode. On the back panel, you have a pair of phono input and output (the output allows you to daisy chain several amplifiers). There 4 pairs of speakers output, so that bi-cabling is very convenient to implement. Build quality is excellent. The design is simple and smart. Going Aktiv has never been easier: like any computer, remove the case, fit in a the Aktiv card, put the case back and you are ready to enjoy an aktiv system (you need at least 2 amplifiers).
When I first got my LK140, I used it with Jean-Marie Reynaud Offrande speakers and it was a shock: this little amplifier was way more musical, detailed, with a larger bandwidth than all other amplifiers I have been using (YBA, Sim Audio, and Bel Canto). This unit plays music and give you a sense of rhythm I have not heard before. Musicians are playing together, responding to each other, something I could not feel on the other amplifiers. True, on AB comparison, each of the above mentioned amplifier might be stronger in one area or another (more highs, better bass, ...) but only the LK140 give you this homogenous presentation.
The presentation is natural, highs are detailed and smooth, lows are articulate and precise. Sure, this amplifier will not deliver what he cannot, and if you are after the lower octave you need to upgrade to the Klout or, even better, the 2250 (read my forthcoming review of that amplifier).
The good things about the LK140 is that you can easily expand it and go Aktiv. Going Aktiv allows you to by-pass the cross-over in your speakers: these crossovers are like filters that use power from the amplifier and that degrade the sound to an extent I could hardly have imagined.
When you stop the music, there is no need to turn off your amplifier. After about 10 minutes it will go in sleep mode, which is much better for the circuitry than turning it on and off: so my amplifiers are always On!
Cons: if any, I would be curious to see how that LK140 would perform with a Switching power supply. The LK140 and LK85 are the last amplifiers with a normal power supply. There is no doubt in my mind that Linn is looking to introduce that new technology into their small amplifiers, and if they can do it without any price increase, bravo!
At this price range, the LK140 is really a bargain. Linn strives to offer musicality at reasonable price and they succeed it with the LK140.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1200
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linnfan
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Reviews written: 5
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